This was an interesting one that wasn't quite what I expected. Fast paced and full of unexpected twists though.

Blood and Betrayals by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune is a dark and atmospheric mystery steeped in secrets, danger, and a touch of the supernatural. Set in an intriguing academic world, the story opens with a murder — and the female main character (FMC) quickly becomes both a target and a key to unraveling the truth. The central mystery is compelling, and the suspense is well-maintained, particularly with the inclusion of a cryptic stranger whose motivations remain elusive.

While the plot itself is engaging, I found it difficult to connect with the FMC. Her actions, especially in the romantic subplot, often felt inconsistent. Despite being in a relationship, she engages in flirtations with other characters such as Max and the stranger, and then appears disappointed when they don't return the sentiment. This made it challenging to sympathize with her, particularly given the high-stakes nature of the story. Interestingly, it was the supporting cast that stood out far more vividly.

Characters like Alice and Rafe truly captured my attention. Alice was a standout — strong, mysterious, and layered. I would have loved to delve deeper into her story and the complicated relationship with her father, especially the question of why he wants her dead. Rafe, too, was an intriguing figure — brooding, distant, and clearly carrying the weight of a dark past. Exploring his backstory and understanding what made him so guarded would have added even more emotional depth to the novel.

Overall, *Blood and Betrayals* thrives on its richly built world and an ensemble of compelling side characters. Though the protagonist didn’t resonate with me personally, the strength of the mystery and the intrigue surrounding the supporting characters made this an engaging read. For those who enjoy a dark academia vibe mixed with secrets, betrayal, and complex interpersonal dynamics, this book is worth a try.

Wow. Did I finish this book or did the book finish me 😅 usually I am not a fan of books that make me cry, but this one was SO good. I need the next book so so bad. This book kept me on my toes and had me not wanting to stop reading! The FMC Summer and her best friend Alice have the best relationships. Alice was my favorite and had me dying laughing on multiple occasions! You will love this book if you love

•Found family
•dark academia
•grumpy/sunshine
•he falls first
•stalkers
•mysterious murders

Only negative this is the next book is not out quite yet! 😋 thank you so much for the arc!

Blood & Betrayals: A Dark Academia Romantasy by Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 out of 5 stars)

Blood & Betrayals had all the ingredients I usually love—dark academia, a magical university, mysterious stalkers, and a fae girl with a hidden past. And while the concept sounded promising, the execution didn’t quite land for me.

We follow Summer Tuatha De Daanan, a fae who ends up at Avalon University without knowing why or how. She’s sharp-tongued, emotionally closed off, and very much “not like the others.” Of course, she quickly becomes besties with a quirky little vampire girl and catches the attention of an angelic senior who sees right through her walls. All of that could’ve worked, but the way it played out just felt a little too familiar. I’ve read this setup before—a lot.

I had a hard time connecting with Summer. I think she was supposed to be this mysterious, emotionally guarded character, but instead, she felt kind of flat. And the relationships? They seemed to develop more because the plot needed them to, not because of genuine chemistry or buildup. Things between the characters only started falling apart after the book decided her past was going to be a problem—before that, everything was suspiciously fine. It made the emotional shifts feel forced instead of earned.

Also, the pacing in places felt off. I wanted to love the dark, twisty vibes and the “seven lessons” threat from the stalker, but I often found myself more focused on the potential of what could happen rather than what was actually happening.

That said, if you’re into romantasy with a moody vibe and don’t mind leaning into the clichés, there’s still fun to be had. The setting is atmospheric, and the stalker mystery adds some tension.

Final thoughts:
Not a bad book, but not really for me either. I wanted more depth, more originality, and more from the characters—especially Summer. It’s a decent read if you’re in the mood for dark magic, angsty romance, and don’t mind tropes you’ve seen before.

🔮 First Love
🔮Mystery
🔮Magic Academy
🔮 Different Realms
🔮Stalker
🔮 Strong Female Friendship
🔮Found Family
🔮Badass FMC
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
First I want to say how grateful I am for Net Galley and the publisher giving me this opportunity! When I first read about Blood and Betrayals, I was so intrigued by the unique plot of the book and the mysterious atmosphere... I have to admit it was a long book but definitely worth it! From page one till the last one it kept me hooked! The magic system,the different species and the academy made this universe exceptional. More specifically, I really liked how the authors created realms and different worlds not one world for all the creatures to live in, it offered more diversity to the story. Also, the characters involve , especially our FMC she tries through all her difficulties and challenges to become a better version of herself for her and her found family. That really was something encouraging for people who share the same problems as her proving them that all is possible and they shouldn't give up trying! Moreover,I found really beautiful the female friendship between our main characters,the support,the love ,the understanding it was all so heartwarming. In addition, the trope of the found family played a really important role in the story, so if you are a big fun of found family you will love this ! Next, our MMC was the greenest flag , as I read I fell more in love with him , he's an example for all males ,his understanding,his devotion and dedication to our fmc was admirable he really set the standards for me ! Now for the plot is basically a murder mystery which keeps you on your heels all the time.. As for the side characters there are some of them not to spoil anything but they are BOTH dark and mysterious... All in all , I would give this book 5 ⭐ because it became a part of my every day life and I became so close with these characters, the writing was so good that I thought I was really with them BUT the ending is a Cliffhanger and it's a strong one so... 4.5 ⭐😭

This was a hard book for me to finish. It has some good parts but it is very long and feels slightly juvenile. Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for the opportunity.

First of all I would like to thank NetGalley and Rose and Star Publishing for allowing me to have an Advanced Reader Copy. I honestly had to DNF the book at about 43% because I didn’t feel like I was the intended audience.
It is listed as ‘A Dark Academia Romantasy’, but, so far, it appears quite light and humorous with casual language. Unless it is a slow burn, nothing very shocking has occurred yet. I really loved the concept of a magic academy filled with an abundance of magical creatures. However, I feel it is focused quite heavily on romance (quick to start) and in some parts (besides the spicy scenes) reads a bit like present day college life with lots of parties and flirtiness happening. If you are someone who enjoys a cuddly, protective and may I say angelic love interest, this is definitely for you.
I wasn’t able to delve into the mystery/fantasy portion of this book as that was so slow paced and spread out. Also, some of Summer's thoughts were a little repetitive.
This book is probably not for me, but those in their early 20s, looking for something reflecting college life (yes, they have phones and social media too!) may enjoy it!

Blood & Betrayals by Jannette Rose and Alexis Rune marks the debut of the Avalon University series.

Did I fall head over heels for it? Not quite. But I did find it enjoyable. Clocking in at roughly 750 pages on my reader, the story felt overly stretched—there's a solid core here, but it could have been delivered far more effectively in 300 pages. The premise is promising, but the execution dragged.

Summer and Connor had a compelling start, yet their character arcs plateaued far too early. Rather than evolving, they slipped into the background after the first third of the book, leaving repetitive scenes to dominate the second half.

Despite its flaws, the novel ends on a cliff hanger that’s piqued my curiosity. I plan to continue with the next instalment—hopefully it delivers the depth and momentum this one lacked.

Rating 3.5

Due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to read this book in the time recommended. I do intend to read it in the future, as it really interests me and I’ve seen multiple good things about it, however I am unable to fulfill my obligation at this time.

The author writes one thing then immediately contradicts it.
The scene with the ears she write with finality then second guesses herself. Like she hasn’t decided yet. It doesn’t make the character relatable, it makes them seem wishy washy.
It’s weird that the prologue scene never actually occurs. I kept waiting for it and it and it never happens…
Some of the writing is beautiful and then some just seems out of place and unnecessary. Like there’s too much fluff. It’s like the story is bloated and it makes it an uncomfortable read.
I love a bad boy but the MMC is straight up abusive and misogynistic. And then the spice doesn’t spice the way a spicy scene should. The chemistry is just not there.

This was sooooo good. Unputdownable. I devoured this is in less than 24 hours because I needed more. I highly, highly recommend

This is one that is not my vibe at all. I genuinely had high hopes but it fell short quite quickly. Nothing felt unique with many characters and the fact this is supposed to be an older based crowd who act like 18 year olds is beyond me. Also, the writing was the nail in the coffin for me. I am finding myself not a fan of excessive inner monologues that are repetitive.
This series I can see being popular with the Zodiac Academy crowds as this gave that vibe.

DNF @ 13% I just don’t think this one’s for me and I really thought I’d love it :( Summer and Alice were just very much giving “I’m not like other girls” vibes, and overall just doing things that made me roll my eyes—I think the jersey thing was the final straw for me. All of the characters are supposed to be in their late 20’s-early 30’s but they’re all acting like irl college freshmen (18-19). With how long this book is, 13% is like 130 ish pages and I just don’t have it in me to get through a bunch of college party culture—nothing wrong with it but not my cup of tea in a book! There were also a bunch of pop culture references that were a little TOO on the nose for my tastes (a vampire named Alice, Professor Draco, Merlin’s son, etc.). I do think this has its audience, and it’s clear a lot of people love it based on the shining reviews, so don’t let this review deter you :)

I DNFd this at a little over 200 pages. I just couldn't get into it. It might have been partly my fault I didn't realize how long this story was but I still wanted to give it a try see i had already been approved but I couldn't get into this story. The writing wasn't for me and the pacing of this also wasn't my favorite. I was thinking about continuing but alot of people who rated this poorly have a lot of the same issues with it I did so I don't think forcing myself to read another 500 pages is going to make me like this story

Oh my goodness!! This freaking book!! I absolutely loved it in every way. Definitely a top 5 read for me. I can’t get over the mix of mystery with gothic atmosphere. I was drawn in as soon as I started reading and I couldn’t put it down. The spice was freaking perfect!! 🤩 and I absolutely loved the side characters. This book made me realize why I loved reading so much again. Because it brought me to this world and made me fall in love with it. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book because that ending was just too much!!

Five stars is not even good enough for this!

I don't even know what to say...
Saying it's a five star read feels like a disservice to this book.
Blood and Betrayals is offically in my top favorite reads of all time. 💜💜

Our girl Summer wears her self doubt like a blanket. With a dark past and a potential fresh start at Avalon University we watch Summer come into her own. Sometimes it's frustrating but it's also mesmerizing. It's a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of mental health and how you can be your own worst enemy. There was so much about her that resonated with me. And Alice, I looooved Alice. She is the best friend every girl needs. I love that their relationship is a touch her and die but best friend edition. And the men in this book! Omgggg *fans myself* I don't think I've ever fallen for so many fascinating, sexy men in one book before! 🥵
This book has mystery, mythical beings, lottts of spice, fully fleshed out amazing side characters, lots of secrets, and soooo much more. I will give nothing else away other than a warning, be ready to be emotionally devastated in the best way and think about this book 24/7 until book two comes out!!!!

I promise this is not a book you want to miss!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (6 stars because 5 isn't enough 🖤)

Thank you to Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune, and Rose & Star for the eARC and opportunity to read this book 🖤

Rating: 4.5/5 🌟 (rounded up for the stars)
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

First off, I was very intimidated by how big this book was, but was a fucking journey!

The vibes this book gives off are a mixture between Zodiac Academy setting and the mystery behind Oli from The Bonds That Tie series, but with murder mystery! I wouldn't say this book is dark, but it does have some heavy themes, so check your trigger warnings!

The characters, you can't help but love, and are written very nice and you can help but love each one. Alice brought all the comic moments, and Connor gave us all the heart-felt moments! Then you have the Stranger, who I have thoughts on, I have thoughts!!!

With the book being as big as it is, it does feel at times that you may want to skim over parts but don't cause you might miss something as the authors have things here and there that is all apart of the mystery and that is what keeps you reading until it's over!

Over such a great book, and I immediately need book two now cause that ending literally just ended me the way I knew it would..

Blood & Betrayals had the perfect mix of dark academia with a gothic atmosphere. I loved the characters— especially the found family that formed throughout the story. You could really tell how much Summer and Alice cherished each other and their friendship. THE ENDING!!! So heartbreaking. Cannot wait for March 2026!!

I am emotionally unwell - the gasp I gusped when I read what I knew was about to happen unfold infront of my eyes. I have been waiting for a while for a book to rip at my feels and this was the one…

First of all dark academia and romantasy books is 99.9% of my reading and this combined the two of them together so perfectly I knew from the start I was going to love it. If you do not like academy settings this is not for you (as a warning).

The book was evenly paced, and you get to feel really well orientated around campus which I loved. It’s dark and trauma filled as we are taken on a serial murder mystery which is cut through with college parties, sassy girls, brooding guys and a hot headmaster.

Summer is our FMC who has had a non traditional upbringing and through the course of this book you get to watch her work through her fears and barriers but she has a way to go. She is also very much black cat energy which is always fun to see is such contract go the MMC who radiates golden retriever energy lol. I also loved how she just collects all these boys who are just so fun in their own brooding way.

My sweet angel (literally) Connor this boy is the absolute greenest of flags and I want nothing more than to give him a great big hug and tuck into bed after reading a book to soothe him to sleep.

Stranger on the other hand I just needed soo much more of him in this book because this phantom man had me kicking my feet - he best be getting a big role in the next one… please!

The rest of the Morningstar brothers, Alice, Max and our very grumpy headmaster are also so wonderfully developed and I hope to see more of them in the next book!

Thank you for the eARC NetGalley and Rose & Star Publishing

Trauma. Alexis and Jeanette brought the TRAUMA! I won't spoil anything. There is a lot of information in the beginning, but it's necessary. It felt like it took a while to get through all the world building, but once I did, i couldn't put it down. This world is FULL of magical species, different realms and characters. The prologue sucked me in. I loved the multi POV, the dark academia setting, the spice, the twists, and the banter. I think banter is always my favorite though. It balances the darkness. If you like all those things and getting lost in another world, then this might be the book for you. Just make sure you you have a box or two of tissue ready, because I was not entirely prepared for that cliffhanger!